About the book
The figs and the tree were just a vehicle for family interaction. A commonality that brought precious quality time which Nonno knew was fleeting, and was never going to ask for outright. Some of the authors best memories of childhood besides the quality time with Nonno and his uncles were of him and his dad racing throughout brooklyn, queens and long island to share the sweet bounty of fruit with his extended family. Those aunts, uncles and cousins then turned some of it into jams, wine and the best of all italian fig cookies, which were then shared back and further down the family tree. Fresh figs only have a shelf life of a few days before they turn rotten because of all the sugar, a week at most if refrigerated. This made them a precious commodity, like quality time with family. Every delivery became an event of sorts with meals, pool parties, and great times. All unplanned and unscheduled because everyone was always thrilled to see everyone ..